Indiana, PA - News - Saltsburg Newshttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/saltsburg/
The Indiana Gazette Online's Community Connection is an effort to gather news, photos, events, and submitted reports from each of our local communities. We've centered communities around our school districts. Below you find the Saltsburg Area news.
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Have something your neighbors should know about? Email us at community@indianagazette.net. en-ushttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/opinions-letters/letter-to-the-editor-plan-would-hurt-entire-blairsvillesaltsburg-district,21589173/Letter to the Editor: Plan would hurt entire Blairsville-Saltsburg districthttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/opinions-letters/letter-to-the-editor-plan-would-hurt-entire-blairsvillesaltsburg-district,21589173/
The renovated and expanded Saltsburg K-12 campus is less than four years old, yet the Blairsville members of the Blairsville-Saltsburg school board and the current superintendent are hurriedly trying to close the grades 7-12 section of the Saltsburg building.Mon, 02 Mar 2015 10:54:00 -0500

The renovated and expanded Saltsburg K-12 campus is less than four years old, yet the Blairsville members of the Blairsville-Saltsburg school board and the current superintendent are hurriedly trying to close the grades 7-12 section of the Saltsburg building and force the busing of these Saltsburg students to Blairsville. Unfortunately, closing Saltsburg schools has been the hidden agenda for the past 40 years, always disguised as a district savings plan and/or a way to improve educational opportunities.

However, consider these facts:

1. The district is in excellent financial condition. Taxes have not been raised for the past six years. The reserve fund includes a $6 million plus balance.

2. The huge monetary savings offered as the driving force for consolidation is only possible by furloughing between 12 and 15 current teachers. Fewer teachers and more students equates to larger class sizes and a less desirable student/teacher ratio. Essential core classes with 20-plus students now will become classes with 40-50 students with consolidation. PSEA recommends high school classes of 20 students.

3. The busing of Saltsburg area students will unnecessarily increase transportation costs and travel times. Some Saltsburg students will be forced to endure bus rides of one hour or more to and from school, unfairly hindering their ability to participate in extracurricular activities and to attend ICTC programs. Parent involvement will also dwindle due to increased travel. Increased travel equals increased safety concerns.

4. The Saltsburg end of the district has continually paid its fair share to the district. Blairsville area isn’t “sacrificing” to carry the Saltsburg area. Saltsburg has 37 percent of the students in the district and pays 38 percent of the residential taxes. Business taxes generated by the Route 22 corridor are a district bonus. Blairsville’s claim to that revenue negates the fact that the corridor’s development is the result of county and regional support, not just that of the Blairsville area.

5. The Blairsville/Saltsburg School District has attained admirable student achievement records. Why jeopardize what is in place without a complete and carefully developed plan that honestly leads to educational improvements for district-wide students? Busing is an outdated and unproven solution; 21st century technology is the answer.

Closing a recently renovated community school in Saltsburg will have a very negative financial and educational impact on the entire district, and it will only perpetuate the Blairsville/Saltsburg School District’s reputation as an unstable entity that puts economics before education.

SALTSBURG — Saltsburg Elementary School in the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District will hold kindergarten registration and student screening April 30 at the school, 199 Trojan Lane, Saltsburg.

Parents whose children will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 should visit the Saltsburg Elementary School to pick up an enrollment packet. These packets will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until April 29.

During the April 30 kindergarten registration, parents should plan to bring the student, as well as all papers in the enrollment packet, immunization records, two proofs of residency and birth certificate to the registration. A schedule of times will be forthcoming. For more information, call (724) 639-3556.

LAKE WALES, Fla. — Tributes keep pouring in from former Gazette employees who worked in the newsroom under Managing Editor Bill Hastings, who passed away recently.

Tim Kinter, of Homer City, now a resident of Idaho, was hired by Hastings in the early 1970s just out of IUP.

Tim was a very talented writer and after he left Indiana made a point to look up Hastings when he would return on his occasional trips to Indiana County.

Tim Hayes, president of a very successful public relations and communications company, worked in the newsroom at the Gazette on a part-time basis while a student at IUP. Upon graduation he started working full time.

“He (Hastings) launched me on a career in writing that has taken on some twists and turns along the path that has proven to be such a great way to make a living.”

Hayes said that as managing editor, “Bill ran his newsroom by talking straight, guiding, pushing, coaching his writers and insisting on accuracy and fairness in our reporting.”

His Friday columns featuring tidbits on interesting personalities, Hayes said, was “absolutely devoured by the reader.”

“He understood his community, his newspaper role and his own sense of purpose. He was a newsman’s newsman. I couldn’t have asked for a better first boss.”

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A few weeks ago a Lake Wales native returned here to dedicate a basketball court where he had played more than 20 years ago.

Amar’e Stoudemire, currently an all-star center for the New York Knicks of the NBA, contributed $42,000, and the city of Lake Wales added another $54,000 for the court’s renovation.

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Recent visitors from Indiana to Lake Wales include Ginny and Bill McGinnis, Bill and Toni Bellock, and Diane Fako, Jean Reefer and Cindy Harkless. Cindy actually left Indiana a long time ago, and she and her husband, Tom, live in Daytona, about 90 minutes away from Lake Wales.

o o o

Another small world story:

Recently I talked to a doctor at the Lake Wales Medical Center and as we exchanged questions about where we were from, he said he had lived in Oakland while attending Pitt and had relatives in that area.

He mentioned that one of his relatives was Jerry Conboy, who was the head basketball coach at Point Park.

I recognized the name and remembered when Conboy brought his team to Indiana on different occasions to play IUP.

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And, of course, congratulations to the new WPIAL Class AAA basketball champions, the Indians of Indiana High School.

Coach Greg Lezanic knew this team was something special and they sure proved that with their thrilling win Friday evening over an excellent squad from Beaver Falls.

Lezanic opted to play exhibition games in Atlantic City against teams from New Jersey and the Philadelphia area and then scheduled two games against foes that were in a class above the Indians, Taylor Allderdice and Pine-Richland. And it paid off, big time.

The Conemaugh Township Saltsburg Parks and Recreation Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 5 at the recreation building.

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Board to hold meetinghttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/human-services-department-lists-area-agency-activities,21587225/Human Services Department lists area agency activitieshttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/human-services-department-lists-area-agency-activities,21587225/
Information for this column is provided by the Indiana County Department of Human Services.Sun, 01 Mar 2015 01:44:00 -0500

Information for this column is provided by the Indiana County Department of Human Services.

Announcements

• Applications are due by April 15 for the Indiana Midday Rotary 2015 Grant for charitable and non-for-profit organizations in Indiana County. The Midday Rotary funds projects that implement innovative ways of enhancing community and international volunteer service. The awards may range from $300 to $1,000, based on the merit of the project. These grants do not fund personnel or general operating expenses. For more information or to receive the application form, contact Brian Parks at bparks@psl.org.

• Applications are due by Friday for the Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities 28th Scholarship Program to benefit individuals who reside in low-income housing who wish to continue their education. A $2,000 L. DeWitt Boosel Scholarship will be awarded to a high school student/graduate and a $2,000 Paul G. Percharko Scholarship will be awarded to an adult resident attending a post-secondary institution. For an application packet, stop at the Housing Authority at 104 Philadelphia St., Indiana, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To receive an application by mail, call (724) 463-4730.

• Indiana County Career T.R.A.C.K. (an agency located at the Indiana County CareerLink) is currently recruiting young adults age 18 to 21 for their Out-of-School Work Experience Program. Applicants must be Indiana County residents and not currently attending high school. These are 500-hour, temporary positions with a placement at one of several worksites in the Indiana County area. The program is designed to provide real-world work experience to qualifying young adults. Enrollment in the program also includes personalized résumé and job search services. To qualify, applicants must meet income guidelines and fulfill at least one specific barrier to employment, which include a verifiable disability, a pregnant/parenting youth, high school drop-out in need of a GED, homeless/runaway, foster care, basic skills deficiency, documented special circumstance or a young adult with a criminal record (eligibility for criminal record is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the specific offense). For additional information or to see if you qualify, contact Youth Case Manager Jim Garland at (724) 471-7239, or stop by the Indiana County CareerLink

• Indiana County Career T.R.A.C.K. (an agency located at the Indiana County CareerLink) is now recruiting local businesses and agencies to partner as worksites for their Youth Work Experience Programs. Help shape the workforce of the future at no cost. Career T.R.A.C.K. pays 100 percent of the youth wages and worker’s compensation. They also assist in the purchase of items such as clothing and personal protective equipment. All they ask of the worksites is to provide daily tasks and supervision for a meaningful work experience in a professional environment. To learn more about how your organization can participate as a youth worksite, contact Youth Case Manager Jim Garland at (724) 471-7239 or jgarland@tricountyct.com.

• AARP is sponsoring a free tax preparation and assistance program for all tax payers with moderate to low income from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays staring Feb. 3 through April 7. Taxes will be done by appointment only at Aging Services Inc., Oak Place Building, 1055 Oak St., Indiana. To make an appointment, call (724) 349-4564, (724) 349-4500 or (800) 442-8016.

• The Staunton Farm Foundation is seeking nominations for the Albert B. Craig jr. Award for Innovation in Mental Health. The purpose of the award is to recognize people who have challenged society to think in fresh ways about problems and solutions in mental health and who have forged new paths, whether through uncommon partnerships or new ways of serving people with mental illnesses. The award recognizes who have invented a product or process that has alleviated mental illness. Recipients of the award need not reside in Southwestern Pennsylvania, but their contribution must have impacted individuals in this region. The award, sponsored by the Staunton Farm Foundation, provides a cash prize of $5,000 to the individual or organization and recognition at the Foundation’s annual meeting and through public announcements. The deadline for receipt of a nomination for the award is April 1. Inquiries about the Award should be sent to office@stauntonfarm.org.

• The PA Department of Health is offering vaccines/immunizations by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. March 9, at the Indiana County State Health Center, 75 N. Second St., Indiana, and from 9:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. March 18 at the Blairsville Community Center, 101 W. North Ave., Blairsville. Vaccinations/immunizations are free or $5 per-visit, depending on eligibility. For more information and to schedule and appointment, call (724) 357-2995.

• The Indiana County Reality Tour is held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Indiana County Jail. The program is for youths ages 10 to 18, parents and community members, and is free for everyone. For dates, more information or registration, contact Jennifer McCroskey at jmccroskey@aidac.org or call (724) 354-2746, ext. 309.

• The Southwestern PA Food Security Partnership works to provide people and families with the resources necessary to live a hunger-free life, providing easy sign-ups and information regarding the SNAP (Food Stamp) program throughout all of Indiana County. For more information, contact Amber, Indiana County SNAP outreach coordinator, at (724) 219-9618.

• The Ark of Learning Tutoring and After School Enrichment Program through The Salvation Army offers free tutoring, art, dance, games, dinner and more. For more information, email Kelsey Carpenter at kelsey.carpenter@use.salvationarmy.org.

• The Indiana County Department of Human Services and the United Way of Indiana County have partnered with PA 2-1-1 Southwest to bring a free human service Helpline to Indiana County. County residents are able to dial 2-1-1 and be connected with a live operator 24 hours per day, seven days a week, who can connect them with human services help. Please share this number with family and friends who may not be sure where to turn for help with such things as emergency shelter, food banks, crisis intervention, child care, and other health and human service resources. Go to www.pa211sw.org; www.uwindianacounty.org or www.humanservices-countyofindiana.org for more information.

• The Attire to Aspire/PA Workwear Program is looking for donations. The program is in need of gently used, modern, up-to-date winter clothing for women and men (in their 20s). The women’s sizes needed are 0 to 26 (especially sizes 20 through 26). Women’s items needed are business casual slacks for women in black, khaki, navy, and brown, and business casual tops and blouses. Men’s sizes and items needed are 32W to 36W business casual slacks (Dockers) in black and khaki. To donate, bring items to the Department of Human Services at 300 Indian Springs Road, Suite 203, White Township

• Aging Services Inc.’s Apprise Program is a free health insurance counseling program designed to help all Pennsylvanians with Medicare. Counselors are trained staff and volunteers who can answer questions about Medicare and provide objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare. For more information, call (724) 349-4500.

• Aging Services Inc. runs a thrift shop from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. at the Indiana Social Center, 1001 Oak St., Indiana. Donations of gently used clothing are accepted. Call (724) 349-4500 for more information.

• A community breakfast is held from 9 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Saltsburg Social Center, 212 Point St., Saltsburg. Pancakes, eggs, bacon and toast are available for $2.50. For more information, call (724) 639-9055.

• Community Kitchen is looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve meals. The Community Kitchen is open from 4 to 6 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Dixonville Wesleyan Church Social Hall. For more information, call Cindy Briggs at (724) 397-9498 or visit sites.google.com/site/dwccommunitykitchen.

• Katie’s Closet will provide a wide variety of clothing, free of charge, for adults and children from 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Zion Lutheran Church (upstairs) on the corner of Church and Sixth streets in Indiana.

• Calvary United Methodist Church’s Clothes of Many Colors Clothing Closet gives away free clothing from 1 to 3 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. For more information, call (724) 479-8290

• First United Methodist Church of Marion Center’s Clothing Closet will provide free clothing from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday in Marion Center. For more information, call (724)-397-5517.

Classes

• Childbirth Preparation Series is a four-part series is designed to prepare women at 32-36 weeks for giving birth. The class is offered from 6 to 9 p.m. four consecutive Tuesday evenings each month at Indiana Regional Medical Center’s Urgi Care Center, second floor, classrooms A and B. For information, call (724) 357-7496.

• The Salvation Army is holding a new budgeting class once a week starting Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Classes are free. Call Shari or Kimberly to register ahead of time.

• Disaster Health Services Orientation teaches participants to organize and administer DHS function of the local level and to initiate a larger operation. For more information, call American Red Cross, Indiana County headquarters, at (724) 465-5678.

• Free Computer Classes for those 60 or older is offered at the Indiana Social Center, 1001 Oak St., Indiana. For information or to register, call (724) 465-2697.

• Family Services: Providing Emergency Services teaches participants how to interview disaster victims and provide them with necessary emergency assistance. Participants should have attended Disaster Services: An Overview training prior to this class. For more information, call American Red Cross, Indiana County headquarters, at (724) 465-5678.

• Introduction to Disaster classes teach how the American Red Cross fits in when there is a disaster and how you can help your community. For more information, call the Indiana chapter at (724) 465-5678.

• Low Impact Exercise, through Aging Services Inc., is for people age 60 and older. Classes are conducted at five senior center locations by a trained instructor. You do not have to be a senior center participant to attend. For more information, call (724) 349-4500 or (800) 443-8016.

• New Baby Day Camp, for children ages 3 to 7 whose family is expecting a new baby, gives kids lessons before the new baby comes home. For more information, call Indiana Regional Medical Center at (724) 357-7496.

• Preschool and Progressive Swim Classes are held in seven-week sessions at the Indiana County YMCA. Preschool is for children ages 6 months to 5 years, and progressive is for children 6 years and older. Enrollment is limited. Call (724) 463-9622.

• Tobacco Cessation Course, a four-week program for those who have resolved to quit smoking is offered at Excela Health Call Center. One-on-one counseling and telephonic support are available. Times and locations vary. For more information, call (724) 689-1891 or (877) 771-1234.

Family support

• Breast Cancer Education and Support Group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. For more information, contact the Excela Health Call Center at (877) 771-1234.

• Fibromyalgia Support Group meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at the Excela Halth Westmoreland Hospital. For more information, contact the Excela Health Call Center at (877) 771-1234.

• Hepatitis C Education and Support Group meets at noon the first Tuesday of the month and 3 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Arc Manor in Kittanning. This group provides information and support that you need to live with, get treatment for or prevent exposure to hepatitis C. For more information, call (800) 323-1333.

• Hepatitis C Education/Support Group meets the first Thursday of the month at noon at The Open Door in Indiana. This group provides information and support that you need to live with, get treatment for, or prevent exposure to hepatitis. Thursday’s guest speaker will be Dr. Rob Groomes, ACMH Hospital.

• Mothers of Preschoolers meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at Blairsville Free Methodist Church. There is a $25 registration fee to join Mothers of Preschoolers International. Scholarships are available. Call (724) 459-6209 for more information.

• One Stitch at a Time, a knitting and sharing hour, is offered at 10 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at IRMC’s Women’s Imaging Center Library. This hour is for women in cancer treatment or those who are moving beyond cancer. Call (724) 357-8081.

• Spinal Cord Injury Support Group meets at 2 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at Center For Independent Living of South Central PA, Altoona. For more information, call (800) 237-9009.

• Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders Family Support Group, through Family Behavioral Resources, meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Airport Professional Center, Suite 524, 1380 Route 286 East, White Township. A social skills group meets in conjunction with the support group. Children of all ages and developmental skills are welcome. For more information or to register, call (724) 465-0369.

• Adult Socialization Group is for adults with epilepsy through the Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania. For more information, call the Pittsburgh office at (800) 361-5885.

• Cancer Support Group, (724) 248-1814; The Phoenix Support Group meets every week, call for location and time.

• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, for emergency services personnel such as ambulance crews, firefighters, law enforcement officers and any others who respond to critical incidents, meets every six weeks. In offering debriefing services, the team helps prevent the negative impact of acute stress on emergency workers and helps with the recovery process. For more information, call The Open Door at (877) 333-2470.

• Indiana Area Celebrate Recovery, sponsored by the Harvest Anglican Church and the Homer City United Methodist Church, will be held at the Homer City United Methodist Church each Thursday from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. At 6:15 p.m. there will be an optional light meal and fellowship for $4.50. At 7 p.m., the large group meeting begins, led by a pastor or a deacon. A newcomers meeting and open share groups will be offered at 8 p.m., and fellowship at 9. Child care is offered at no charge. The group is a recovery ministry based on biblical principles with a goal to let God work through individuals in providing his healing power through a Christ-centered 12-step program. Participants share their experiences, strengths and hopes with one another. Celebrate Recovery provides a safe place for individuals to start dealing with their life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits. Some examples of recovery issues are: codependency, chemical addiction, sexual addiction, eating disorders, anger issues, and depression and/or loss. Call (724) 599-6699, (724) 479-8682, or email PastorHAF@gmail.com or HarvestAnglican@gmail.com for more information.

• Pediatric Diabetes Support Group meets twice a year at Indiana Regional Medical Center. For more information, call (724) 357-7164.

• Alice Paul House offers support to victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence and other violent crimes. For information, call (724)349-4444.

Coming events

• Come to Battle of the Banks from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at H.B. Culpeppers, Indiana, to benefit Lifesteps Family Caring Fund. For more information, call (724) 349-1122, ext. 103.

• Birdie’s Closet at the Handbag Blowout benefit will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Indiana Regional Medical Center in private dining room 2. There will be a wide selection of handbags at 30, 50 and 60 percent off regular retail price. All proceeds will benefit Birdie’s Closet.

• The Arc of Indiana County’s Safe Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Indiana Mall. For more information, call (724) 349-8230.

• Come to the Evergreen Boys and Girls Club’s Basket Party from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Clymer Fire Hall. Drawings begin at 1:30 p.m. There will be door prizes, a light lunch and more than baskets. Tickets are $10, and include 20 raffle tickets and lunch. Additional cards with 20 raffle tickets are $5 each. For more information, call (724) 910-6042.

• Learn how to apply for state jobs through the Civil Service website at a PA CareerLink activity from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, call (724) 471-7220 or (888) 573-5733.

Meetings

• The Chilldren’s Advisory Commission of Indiana County will meet at 8:30 Tuesday at ARIN IU #28, Indiana. At 9:30 a.m., Rebecca Compardo will be the featured speaker. At 10:15 a.m., the Early Care and Education and Budget and Finance committees will meet. For more information, call (724) 463-8200, ext. 18.

• The Armstrong-Indiana Drug Free Communities Coalition will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Elderton Towne Hall. A free breakfast will be provided. For more information, contact Jennifer McCroskey at jmccroskey@aidac.org or call (724) 354-2746, ext. 309.

• Come to the Community Support Program at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Indiana Borough Building. For more information, call Joe Budjos at (724) 349-3350 or (724) 548-3451.

• Community Disability Awareness Workgroup will meet at 8:30 a.m. Monday at The Arc of Indiana County. This is a group of community members working together to provide information about disabilities to members of our community to help us get to know each other better and to make our community a better place for everyone.

• The Parent Transition Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at The Arc. The Parent Transition Group has established a network for families of children with disabilities who are making the transition from high school to post-secondary education, employment and community living. All parents of children with disabilities are encouraged to attend the meetings because it is never too early to help your child prepare for the future. Lunch is provided, so please register.

Grief support

• Bowser-Minich Bereavement Support Services offers lectures and grief seminars to public groups upon request.Call (724) 349-3100 or (888) 923-5550.

• C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home, Homer City, offers support services through an interactive website for bereavement and grief support literature at www.bowserfh.com.

• Coping with Loss Grief Support Group is a six-week series held at various community locations. Call Excela Health at (877) 771-1234.

• GRASP, or Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing, offers support and sources of help for families and individuals who are in bereavement due to a substance misuse death. For more information or to register, call (724) 762-3344, email skelly17839@gmail.com or visit www.grasphelp.org. The group meets at The Open Door. For more information or to register, call (724) 762-3344, email skelly17839@gmail.com or visit www.grasphelp.org.

• Graystone Church GriefShare is a 13-week seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them. Sessions are offered in the spring and the fall. Registration is not necessary and participants may join at any time in the series. Call (724) 349-5556 for the next session.

• Hopeful Hearts, a service of the VNA of Indiana County, is a child-focused family bereavement support center. Hopeful Hearts provides peer support at no cost for all family members when someone close to the family has died. Families meet biweekly in a safe, caring and confidential environment. For more information about this program or volunteer opportunities, call (724) 349-3888 or (877) 349-3888.

• John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home offers a bereavement support group open to the public. Call (724) 463-4499.

• Pregnancy Loss Support Group provides support for families who are grieving the loss of their baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. Call (877) 771-1234.

• Rairigh-Bence Caring and Sharing Grief Support Group offers a support group, in addition to a bereavement lending library with booklets, videos, etc. For time and date, call (724) 349-2000.

• Resolve Through Sharing Bereavement Services are offered at Indiana Regional Medical Center, Obstetric Unit, for those suffering a neo-natal loss, miscarriage or tubal pregnancy. Trained counselors provide counseling and support, and are available for private consult by appointment. For more information, call (724) 357-7060.

• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Support is offered from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Riverfront Place, 810 River Ave., Suite 160, Pittsburgh. For more information, call (800) 721-7437.

• Survivors Support Group is a community support group for adult survivors who have lost a family member, close friend or co-worker to suicide or an unexpected death. The group meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Guidance Center. For future dates or more information, email contact@thecgc.com or call (724) 463-8200, ext. 18.

• The Jimmy Stewart Museum will show “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," starring Stewart, Jean Arthur and Edward Arnold, at 1 p.m. on the third floor of the Jimmy Stewart Museum, 835 Philadelphia St. For more information, visit www.jimmy.org.

• The IUP Music Department and Choral Area present “And The Time Is,” a program featuring the world premiere of Jack Stamp’s new work for choir and percussion from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall, second floor. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 2

• Come to the Six O’Clock Series from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for “Keep It Global.” Dr. Aaron Bruce, a thought-provoking motivational speaker, educator, researcher and international traveler, will talk about how his passion for exploring the globe and connecting cultures opens doors to a world of possibilities. For more information, call (724) 357-2598 or visit www.iup.edu/sixoclockseries.

• Essential Graham: Martha Graham Dance Company will perform at 8 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium of the IUP Performing Arts Center. Martha Graham developed a revolutionary technique of movement which has been copied by companies all over the world. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 3

• The Todd Bird Club will hold its March meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Blue Spruce Park, 1128 Blue Spruce Road, near Ernest. Patrick Snickles, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Wildlife Education supervisor, will present a program about the life history of the American woodcock, its range, its habits and its elaborate mating system. For more information, visit www.toddbirdclub.org.

• A community breakfast will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Saltsburg Social Center, 212 Point St., Saltsburg. No reservations are required, and the breakfast is open to the public for $2.50 a person. For more information, call (724) 639-9055.

• The Delta Omicron Solo Competition will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall, second floor. The competition is open to freshman through senior IUP students, and the grand prize is $500. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 5

Support Lifesteps at Battle of the Banks from 5 to 8 p.m. at H.B. Culpeppers. Bank representatives will guest bartend alongside Culpeppers staff in a battle for the most tips. All tips will benefit Lifesteps Family Caring Fund, helping children and families with life’s changing needs. For more information, call (724) 349-1122, ext. 103.

March 6

• The Tuba and Euphonium Studio Student Showcase will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in DiCicco Rehearsal Hall, 121 Cogswell Hall. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

• Friends of the Parks will present “Living on the Navajo Nation” at 7 p.m. at Blue Spruce Park Lodge, 1128 Blue Spruce Road, near Ernest. Denny Preisser will share some of his experiences of living for 18 years in Kayenta, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation in the Four Corners region. For more information, call (724) 463-8636.

March 7

• The Spring Coin Show, sponsored by the Indiana Coin Club Inc., will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at S&T Bank Arena, 497 East Pike, White Township, with 36 tables and a Coins 4 Kids program. Admission is free. For more information, call (724) 254-2471.

• Come out and join ARC and learn about safety at Safe Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Indiana Mall. For more information, visit www.indianamallpa.com.

• Join the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education for food, drinks, games and entertainment at the Too Poor for Daytona Party at 7 p.m. at the Clymer American Legion, 485 Franklin St. For more information, call (724) 479-0714.

March 7-8

Come to Kinter Farm, 2440 Musser Road, Home, to see and learn all about maple sugaring with Allen Kinter at 2 p.m. For more information, call (724) 463-8636. This is a Friends of the Parks program.

March 8

The annual Indiana Mall Bridal Show, sponsored by Renda Broadcasting, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the mall, White Township. There will be displays and exhibits by florists, caterers, photographers, decorators and those owning bridal venues, as well as many door prizes. Registration is free for brides-to-be. For more information, visit www.indianamallpa.com.

March 13

• Join Roger and Margaret Higbee will speak on their wonderful bird outing to Alaska at Birding to Alaska and Back at 7 p.m. at the Blue Spruce Park Lodge, 1128 Blue Spruce Road, near Ernest. They will discuss the fun of driving and birding to and from our 49th state. For more information, visit (724) 463-8636.

• Join Quota International of Indiana for the 10th annual St. Patty’s Open at 5 p.m. Registration is at The Coney Island, 642 Philadelphia St. Proceeds will benefit local charities in the Indiana community. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more information, call (724) 422-4362.

March 13-15

See new home improvement ideas for 2015 at the Indiana-Armstrong Builders Association Home Show from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at S&T Bank Arena, 497 East Pike, White Township. For more information, call (724) 349-2327.

March 14

• The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. in downtown Indiana. For more information, visit www.downtownindiana.org.

• The Rabies Clinic provided by Vet Clinic of Indiana will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Indiana County Humane Society, 191 Airport Road, White Township. Visits are $10, and microchipping will also be available for $25. For more information, call (724) 465-7387.

• Come to Connie Winters’ Pet Resort, 335 Winterfield Road, White Township, for the Pets in the Pub St. Patrick’s Day Party from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be pictures, playtimes and homemade Irish treats. The party is $20 per pet. For more information, call (724) 465-6120 or visit www.conniewinterspetresort.com.

• Help put an end to hunger at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Artists Hand Gallery, 732 Philadelphia St. For a $20 donation, ($15 for students), attendees will be able to choose their own handmade pottery bowl filled with fresh homemade soup, bread and a cookie. For more information, visit www.theartistshandgallery.com.

• The Vienna Boys Choir will perform at 8 p.m. in the Fisher Auditorium, IUP. Established in 1498, the Vienna Boys Choir includes approximately 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14 divided into four touring choirs. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 20

The Opera and Music Theater Workshop will be held at 8 p.m. in the Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall, second floor. Students studying opera and music theater will perform a showcase of songs from various operas and musicals. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 20-22, 27-29

The Indiana Players will perform “Clown Bar” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Philadelphia Street Playhouse, 725 Philadelphia St. A former clown named Happy returns to the seedy underground crime world to find his brother’s killer. For more information, visit www.indianaplayers.com.

March 21

• The Department of Human Services and Children's Advisory Commission will hold its annual Family Fun Fest and Kids’ Day for children ages 8 and younger from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Indiana Mall, White Township. Crafts, projects, games, a food court and entertainment are planned.

• The IUP music faculty will present “Bach and Beyond” — chamber music from the Baroque era — in DiCicco Rehearsal Hall, 121 Cogswell Hall, and the Gorell Recital Hall, IUP. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 22

Italian guitarist Paolo Schianchi will present a free concert to the public at 8 p.m. in the Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall, second floor. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 23

The Faculty Trio Recital, featuring trios with various combinations of flute, bassoon, viola and harp, will begin at 8 p.m. in the Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall, second floor. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 24

Students in the IUP Trombone Studio will perform a free concert at 8 p.m. in the Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall, second floor. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 26

Pablo Ziegler and his Classical Tango Quartet will perform at 8 p.m. in the Gorell Recital Hall on the second floor of Sutton Hall, IUP. A Latin Grammy-winning pianist, composer and arranger, Ziegler has been one of the most important figures in Argentine New Tango, the vibrant musical hybrid of classic tango and American jazz. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

March 27

Evergreen Conservancy will sponsor a presentation on Indiana County salamanders by Indiana County Parks and Trails director Ed Patterson from 7 to 9 p.m. at Blue Spruce Park, 1128 Blue Spruce Road, near Ernest. For more information, call (724) 463-8138.

March 28

• The IUP Dance Theater and IUP Percussion Ensemble will perform an Evening of Dance and Percussion at 7 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium, IUP. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

• Join the Todd Bird Club on a bird walk as they look for migrating waterfowl on Yellow Creek Lake at 8 a.m. Meet at park office, 170 Route 259, Penn Run. For more information, call (724) 357-7913.

• The fifth annual Blairsville Underground Railroad FUNdraiser, “A Musical State of Mind: Singing Our Way Across America!”, will be held at 7 p.m. in the Blairsville High School Auditorium. Presale tickets: $9 for adults and $6 for children younger than 12. Tickets at the door are $11 for adults or $8 for children younger than 12. For more information, call (724) 459-5779.

March 28-29

Take Easter pictures with your pets from noon to 5 p.m. at the Indiana County Humane Society, 191 Airport Road, White Township. Photos are $8 per 5x7 with the option to order additional prints and sizes. For more information, call (724) 422-2040.

March 31

The IUP String Ensemble will perform a variety of works, under the direction of Stanley Chepaitis, at 8 p.m. in the Gorell Recital Hall, Sutton Hall, second floor. For more information, visit www.iup.edu/livelyarts.

April 1

An Easter egg hunt at Connie Winters’ Pet Resort, 335 Winterfield Road, White Township, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $20 per pet. There will be pictures. Wear your doggie Easter bonnet and enter our Easter bonnet contest on Facebook. The winner with the most likes will win three free days of doggie camp or three free days of day care. For more information, call (724) 465-6120 or visit www.conniewinterspetresort.com.

This information is provided by the Indiana County Tourist Bureau. Times and dates are subject to change.

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IT'S HAPPENING HEREhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/community-connection/community-church-events-announced,21545543/Community church events announcedhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/community-connection/community-church-events-announced,21545543/
Every weekend in The Indiana Gazette, find a roundup of family and community related events hosted by churches in the Indiana County area.Sun, 01 Mar 2015 01:44:00 -0500

Guest speaker

The Presbyterian Church of Atwood and the Presbyterian Church of Plumville will welcome the Rev. Dr. Peter Bower on Sunday. His sermon will be “Jesus’ First Passion Prediction,” based on Mark 8:31-38.

Bower will lead the worship service at Atwood at 9:30 a.m. and at the Plumville church at 11 a.m. Plumville will celebrate the sacrament of Communion during their worship service.

Candy Easter egg sale

The Hopewell United Methodist Women are making homemade candy Easter eggs. The following types are available: peanut butter, maple nut, all nut, coconut, and fruit and nut.

They are available in milk chocolate or white chocolate for $9.50 per pound or $5 per half-pound. To order, call Jodi Cunkelman at (724) 459-0127 or Elaine Harris at (724) 459-6803 by today.

Lenten luncheons

Lenten soup luncheons will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays, through March 24, at Zion Lutheran Church, Sixth and Church streets, Indiana.

Every Tuesday, three different soups, including a vegetarian selection, will be offered, along with Carol Guba’s artisan bread and dessert. Takeouts will be available. Diners will be asked to make free-will offerings to benefit the church’s Community Food Pantry.

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Community church events announcedhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/public-bodies-to-hold-open-meetings,21421177/Public bodies to hold open meetingshttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/public-bodies-to-hold-open-meetings,21421177/
Meetings of municipal governments, school boards and county governmental bodies scheduled this week are at the following times and locations:Sun, 01 Mar 2015 01:44:00 -0500

Meetings of municipal governments, school boards and county governmental bodies scheduled this week are at the following times and locations:

Purchase Line School District Board of Education — 7 p.m., district boardroom

Saltsburg Borough Council — 7 p.m., borough office

TUESDAY

Homer City Borough Council — 7 p.m., borough office

Indiana Borough Council — 7 p.m., municipal building

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GOVERNMENT IN ACTIONhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/community-church-events-announced,21593272/Community church events announcedhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/community-church-events-announced,21593272/
Check this weekly roundup of dinners, luncheons, barbecues, garage sales, hymn sings, special services, clothing sales, lectures, meetings and other events happening at the churches in the Indiana County area.Sat, 28 Feb 2015 10:44:00 -0500

Guest speaker

The Presbyterian Church of Atwood and the Presbyterian Church of Plumville will welcome the Rev. Dr. Peter Bower on Sunday. His sermon will be “Jesus’ First Passion Prediction,” based on Mark 8:31-38.

Bower will lead the worship service at Atwood at 9:30 a.m. and at the Plumville church at 11 a.m. Plumville will celebrate the sacrament of Communion during their worship service.

Candy Easter egg sale

The Hopewell United Methodist Women are making homemade candy Easter eggs. The following types are available: peanut butter, maple nut, all nut, coconut, and fruit and nut.

They are available in milk chocolate or white chocolate for $9.50 per pound or $5 per half-pound. To order, call Jodi Cunkelman at (724) 459-0127 or Elaine Harris at (724) 459-6803 by today.

Lenten luncheons

Lenten soup luncheons will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays, through March 24, at Zion Lutheran Church, Sixth and Church streets, Indiana.

Every Tuesday, three different soups, including a vegetarian selection, will be offered, along with Carol Guba’s artisan bread and dessert. Takeouts will be available. Diners will be asked to make free-will offerings to benefit the church’s Community Food Pantry.

DERRY — The Derry Area Ministerial will hold Lenten luncheons from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, through March 25. Each luncheon will be followed by a short worship service. The schedule is:

• Wednesday: St. Martin Catholic Church

• March 11: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

• March 18: Alpha Lion’s Den

• March 25: Derry Presbyterian

Women’s association meeting

DAYTON — The Women’s Association at Dayton Glade Run Presbyterian Church will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 2534 Dayton-Smicksburg Road, Dayton. Program: “Bring a Friend.” For more information, call (814) 257-8666.

Grit Guys Bible studies

The Grit Guys will hold a series of Lenten Bible studies, “The Road Less Traveled,” on Fridays through March 27, in the back dining room at Eat ’N Park restaurant, White Township. Free coffee will be available at 6:45 a.m. The Bible teacher of the morning will begin at 7 a.m. A Dutch-treat breakfast will follow at 7:30 a.m.

On the last Friday of Lent, known as Good Friday, the Grit Guys will be encouraged to attend the annual YMCA Good Friday Breakfast at the Rustic Lodge, where David White will speak. Men in the Indiana area are invited to attend. The convener will be J.D. Varner of The Christian Witness Media Ministries.

Lenten fish fries

The 21st annual Lenten fish fry will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, through March 27, in the social hall at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, White Township.

There will be fish fillets, baked cod, fish sandwiches, shrimp, pierogies and more. Eat in or take out. All major credit cards are accepted. Proceeds benefit St. Bernard Regional Catholic School.

For more information or to place takeout orders, call (724) 465-2210, ext. 20.

o o o

KENT — Lenten fish, seafood and pierogi dinners will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, through March 27, in the church hall at Church of the Good Shepherd, 100 Good Shepherd Drive, Kent.

The cost is $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for ages 5 and younger. Takeout is available. All are welcome. For more information, call (724) 479-3881.

Pasta buffet

PENN RUN — A pasta buffet will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. March 7 at the Penn Run Christian Outreach Center, 75 Grace Church Road, Penn Run. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 11.

ROBINSON — The Helping Hands of the Robinson Evangelical United Methodist Church will hold a chicken dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8 in the church fellowship hall, 332 Mary St., Robinson.

The cost is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for ages 4 and under. Takeouts are available.

Christos Clothes Closet

HOMER CITY — Christos Clothes Closet at Homer City United Presbyterian Church, 40 E. Elm St., Homer City, will be open from 10 a.m. to noon March 14. There will be a large selection of adult and children’s clothing, all free of charge. Use the red door behind the Dollar General Store for entry. Call (724) 479-2695 to verify time and date.

Craft show

The Dixonville Wesleyan Ministry Center, 246 Purchase Line Road, Dixonville, will hold its annual craft sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 14 to benefit the children/youth ministries.

Tables are available for $10 each. Food and beverages will be available. Admission and parking are free.

Roll sale

HOMER CITY — A nut, poppy seed and apricot roll sale will be held March 21 and 28 at St. Mary’s Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic Church, 279 Yellow Creek St., Homer City. Rolls are $10 each. To order, call (724) 840-7673, email judyholliday@gmail.com or Facebook Judy on or before March 16. Provide a phone number when ordering as a phone call will be made when orders are ready for pickup.

Preschool registration

DAYTON — Sunshine Preschool is now taking registration for fall semester classes. The preschool is open to children ages 3 to 5 and is held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Dayton United Methodist Church, lower level.

Sunshine Preschool is a Christian-based school that provides a safe, secure and nurturing atmosphere where each child may grow emotionally, socially, intellectually and spiritually to develop a lifelong love of learning.

For more information, contact Tanya Bruno at (814) 257-0172 or the church office at (814) 257-8951.

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Community church events announcedhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-sports/high-school-basketball-trojans-claim-state-berth,21590490/HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Trojans claim state berthhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-sports/high-school-basketball-trojans-claim-state-berth,21590490/
HOLLIDAYSBURG — Saltsburg continued its march through the postseason Friday when the Trojans outwitted the St. Joseph’s Wolves at Hollidaysburg Senior High School.Sat, 28 Feb 2015 10:30:00 -0500

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Saltsburg continued its march through the postseason Friday when the Trojans outwitted the St. Joseph’s Wolves at Hollidaysburg Senior High School.

Saltsburg sophomore forward Frankie Plowman scored nine points in just over two minutes to help bury St. Joseph’s in a 67-54 victory in the District 6 Class A boys’ consolation game.

After falling to Bishop Carroll just two days prior, the Trojans (12-11) advanced to the PIAA playoffs. Saltsburg will play the winner of tonight’s contest between Clarion-Limestone (22-3) and Cameron County (23-2) in the first round.

This time, Saltsburg, the fifth seed, scored the game’s first points and never gave up the lead to 10th-seed St. Joseph’s.

Although the Trojans made it look easy in the end, the game was much closer than the score indicated.

“I just keep telling them to keep competing,” said Saltsburg coach Donnie Stitt. “Like the last month, month and a half, we have been struggling shooting the ball, and I actually thought we hit shots tonight.”

The Trojans took a comfortable 31-20 halftime lead, outshooting the Wolves 4-0 from beyond the 3-point arc. Saltsburg made 5 of 7 free throw attempts before the half. St. Joseph’s was 6-for-13.

“The difference was they made plays,” said St. Joseph’s coach Richard Ciambotti. “Saltsburg made some great plays down the stretch. Our guys fought and battled to get back into the game there in the third quarter and expended a lot of energy.”

It was a whole new ballgame after the two teams returned from the locker room for the second half. The Wolves closed the gap to 37-32 midway through the third quarter, largely because of senior guard Garrett Bastardi, who scored four field goals in under four minutes, but it was another St. Joseph’s veteran who garnered most of Saltsburg’s attention.

Senior forward Michael Jabco, who surpassed 500 points on the season Friday, scored 20 points, but he had only six in the second half. After Jabco scored 35 against Saltsburg conference foe Homer-Center in the quarterfinals, Stitt was well aware of the Wolves’ lethal scoring threat.

“We started off the game in just a 2-3, and we were shadowing Jabco everywhere he went,” said Stitt. “Then in the middle quarters, we went to a box-and-one and just tried to follow him everywhere he went. We knew he’s their top gun.”

Turnovers and poor decision-making by the Trojans allowed St. Joseph’s to close the gap. At the end of the third quarter, Saltsburg was clinging to a slim 42-40 lead. Then the floodgates opened.

Plowman drilled two three 3-pointers to start the quarter, sparking a 20-3 run in which six Saltsburg players contributed baskets.

“Frankie’s definitely a streaky shooter and he caught fire,” said Stitt. “Really, the last three or four weeks, he’s been the only one to consistently make his shots. Those kids relish in those type of moments. Like I said, I know they’re young, but I always tell them, ‘If you’re open, you’ve got to shoot the ball,’ and he was open and he shot. And thank goodness for us they went in.”

Plowman jump-started the Trojans’ late surge, but it was sophomore guard Skylar Sphon who helped put the exclamation point on the game and set up Saltsburg’s final field goal. With less than four minutes remaining, surrounded by a trio of defenders, Sphon blindly passed the ball behind his back to wide-open sophomore guard Dan Shirley below the rim.

Shirley dropped in the easy layup, extending the lead to 62-43, cementing the lead that Saltsburg tirelessly fought to defend. All that was left for the Trojans to do was drain the clock and take advantage of the free throw opportunities St. Joseph’s was forced to give them.

“That’s tough because they extended that lead again and went back into the zone, and obviously we weren’t hitting anything from the outside,” said Ciambotti. “Once that happened, it was just kind of desperation mode. And that was the story of the game. They made their free throws. Hats off to those guys.”

Saltsburg finished 12 of 22 from the foul line, with five of those points scored in the game’s final minutes. Four Trojan players ended with double-digit points: Plowman (12), Sphon (11) and sophomore guards Dan Shirley (12) and Nick Porter (16). In total, Stitt’s state-tournament-bound shooters totaled seven 3-point shots.

The Trojans pocketed plenty of playoff experience, and their postseason will continue in the state playoffs.

“I’ve got a bunch of young kids. The whole team’s back (next year),” said Stitt. “We’re all back next year, and I think that’s what motivates them. We’re young. We’re learning. This is a great experience, and it’s a heck of an accomplishment for these kids to get to the state playoffs.”

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Trojans claim state berthhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/area-church-services,21564250/AREA CHURCH SERVICEShttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/area-church-services,21564250/
Indiana County area churches are grouped by communities, which appear in alphabetical order.Sat, 28 Feb 2015 07:45:00 -0500

Indiana County area churches are grouped by communities, which appear in alphabetical order.

Murder suspect Jack Edmundson has been granted a seven-month delay in his trial on charges from the Dec. 31, 2013, slaying of Tunnelton gun shop owner Frank Petro.

Indiana County Judge William Martin this week granted the defense lawyers’ request to reschedule the trial, and ordered Edmundson’s defense team to provide expert reports to the district attorney’s office by May 29.

Attorneys Gary Knaresboro and Michael Marshall will ask for Edmundson to be acquitted because of mental infirmity.

District Attorney Patrick Dougherty has filed notice that he will seek the death penalty if Edmundson is convicted of first-degree murder.

The trial had been slated for March 23. Jury selection now has been set for Nov. 2.

In an order filed Monday, Martin also directed the DA to provide copies of prosecution experts’ reports to the defense by May 29.

Martin said he would rule on other requests in Edmundson’s pretrial motions no later than March 27, after he reviews surveillance video recordings that show the murder.

State police have charged that Edmundson, 44, had had posed as an undercover state trooper and blackmailed Petro for more than $140,000 of hush money to keep Petro out of trouble for being involved in an illegal numbers game.

But after learning that Petro discovered the ruse, investigators say, Edmundson visited Petro’s gun shop 14 months ago and intended to set the place on fire.

When Petro emerged from a back room and confronted Edmundson — within view of a running security camera — state police say Edmundson grabbed a gun from a display case, wounded Petro with two shots to the chest and abdomen, then spread powder and accelerant throughout the shop.

According to investigators — and the security video — Petro pulled himself to his feet and tried to stop Edmundson. In the ensuing struggle, Edmundson was wounded in the leg by a gunshot before he wrested control of the weapon and shot Petro two more times in the neck and face.

Petro, 62, died at the scene, and Edmundson was flown by helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital for surgery on his wound.

In all, Edmundson faces charges in five cases. In the others:

• Accusations of Edmundson’s involvement in the illegal numbers game in October 2013 have been consolidated for trial at the same time as the homicide case.

• Edmundson also is charged with burglarizing the residence of Jack Maguire in Saltsburg in December 2012. The case is scheduled on the criminal call list in the county court in April.

• Charges that Edmundson impersonated a police officer and restrained a teenager who threw corn at his vehicle on Route 286 near Saltsburg in November 2013 also have been held for court.

Last March, the case was put on hold for 17 months until a criminal call hearing that still is scheduled for Aug. 7.

• Edmundson is scheduled to appear March 17 for a preliminary hearing in Clymer District Court on charges that he plotted to break out of Indiana County Jail and used parts from an exercise bicycle to whittle away at the steel bar on the window in his cell.

Edmundson has been incarcerated without bond since his arrest following Petro’s death.

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Edmundson granted delay in trialhttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/blairsvillesaltsburg-vote-on-reconfiguration-again-ends-in-stalemate,21586319/BLAIRSVILLE-SALTSBURG: Vote on reconfiguration again ends in stalematehttps://www.indianagazette.com/news/indiana-news/blairsvillesaltsburg-vote-on-reconfiguration-again-ends-in-stalemate,21586319/
BURRELL TOWNSHIP — Several motions regarding the reconfiguration of the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District failed at a special meeting Thursday as directors again could not agree on a plan.Fri, 27 Feb 2015 10:59:00 -0500

BURRELL TOWNSHIP — Several motions regarding the reconfiguration of the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District failed at a special meeting Thursday as directors again could not agree on a plan.

For the last few months, the school board has reviewed the district’s operations, including class sizes and enrollment, to decide if it is still cost-effective to run a campus at both Blairsville and Saltsburg.

The plan that the school directors have focused on most would transport Saltsburg students in seventh through 12th grades to the Blairsville campus and closes off a portion of Saltsburg Middle/High School.

The directors deadlocked last week on a 4-4 vote with one member absent on a motion to set that plan into action for the 2015-16 school year this fall.

Member Holly Gibson said Thursday night she “was not at peace” with her decision from last week and called the special meeting because a conversation on reconfiguration “needs to get started.”

Gibson last week voted with members Holly Hall, Beverly Caranese and Linda Brown against moving forward with reconfiguration this year.

But her more general motion Thursday that called for the directors to “move forward with investigating options for fiscally responsible education for the 16-17 school year” failed twice to garner enough votes to be put on the agenda.

Gibson said she was uncomfortable voting for a plan that would be enacted so quickly.

“I am asking the board to be compassionate … to plan, not do it in six months,” she said. “I want time. That’s all I’m asking is for time. What’s the matter with that?”

Prior to the reconsideration of her motion, she pleaded with the board to “do the right thing.”

“Do we want to be known as the board who screwed up royally?” she asked.

Richard Serafin, who was absent at the last meeting and could have broken the tie, abstained from the vote.

Serafin, an employee of Smith Bus Co., which provides transportation for the district and could profit from reconfiguration, did not vote on any issue regarding reconfiguration Thursday, citing a possible ethics issue, he said.

He said an “unofficial interpretation” from the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission leads him to believe it would be unethical to participate in such votes. At the advice of solicitor Jack Cambest, Serafin is seeking an official recommendation by the commission and said he will follow that recommendation when “an official opinion is rendered.”

A motion to transport Saltsburg students in seventh through 12th grades starting this fall failed, with Gibson walking off the stage in tears in the middle of the vote. Gibson’s abrupt exit left that vote at 4-3, with Harper, Whitfield, Canzano and Rowley in favor, and Brown, Caranese and Hall opposed.

A majority of five votes is needed for the motion to pass. Serafin abstained, and solicitor Jack Cambest said Gibson was a non-vote because she left the room.

Two of Thursday’s failed motions involved the previous hiring of an outside law firm to investigate the negotiation of Superintendent Tammy Whitfield’s contract.

Hall has raised several questions about the contract, including about provisions that were removed, as well as who was involved in negotiations.

A motion by Mary Whitfield to drop the investigation failed to get on the agenda on a vote of 5-4. Hall, Caranese, Brown, Gibson and Serafin voted against putting that motion on the agenda, and Harper, Mary Whitfield, Rowley and Canzano voted in favor.

The motion originally on the agenda to consider rescinding the appointment of the law firm Weiss, Burkhardt and Kramer as special counsel for that investigation failed on the same vote.

The directors were considering that motion because attorney Ira Weiss represented the Chartiers Valley School District in a previous litigation involving Tammy Whitfield when she was employed there.

Cambest said he received a letter from the firm stating it does not believe it is a conflict of interest to conduct the investigation.

A handful of residents and students spoke out during the public comment period prior to the votes.

Frank Plowman, of Saltsburg, said making the changes this fall does not allow for enough time or planning.

“The plan hasn’t been identified,” he said. “How can we vote to move so quickly? It needs a plan. … Everything needs to be addressed.”

The Rev. Dan Satler, of Saltsburg, urged board members to think about their decision and find another way to save money.

“Be creative and come up with something else,” he said.

BJ Clawson, of Saltsburg, argued against reconfiguration, saying “bigger is not always better.”

She said she is concerned with class sizes, and asked how Saltsburg students with after-school jobs would get home in time for work.

The board needs to “use some common sense” and “look at every student and give them the love you would give your own,” she said.

Saltsburg Middle/High School student Raven Clawson Marshall asked how a new mascot would be determined, saying it would not be fair if they continued to be the Blairsville Bobcats. She also questioned how long Saltsburg students would be on the bus, and said combining high school sports teams could take away the opportunity for some students to get to play sports if there is more competition.

She chastised the board for again trying to vote on the issue after last week’s failed votes.

“Are you going to keep voting until you get what you want?” she asked. “If this is true, you are acting like a child.”

If a vote for the reconfiguration plan passes in the future, the district would need to hold an Act 34 hearing about closing a portion of the Saltsburg school campus, said Cambest.

A public hearing, a 60-day waiting period and a review by the Pennsylvania Department of Education would follow.

Upon PDE approval, a final vote would be needed to close the school, and teachers would need to be notified of the district’s intent to furlough.

Figures from district presentations show a loss of about a dozen teaching positions through reconfiguration.

District officials cite $2,180,000 in yearly savings through reconfiguration.

But in a district with an annual budget of more than $30 million, with a fund balance of $12.9 million, some don’t believe the savings outweigh the price of closing a community school.

“It doesn’t seem to me like the financial situation is that dire,” Satler said.

PHOTO: Member of the audience at Thursday’s meeting of the Blairsville-Saltsburg school board stood and cheered in the Blairsville Middle/High School auditorium when a motion regarding reconfiguration failed. (Teri Enciso/Gazette)

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Vote on reconfiguration again ends in stalemate